South India Tour
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Group Size2 -
RegionIndia
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GeographyPlain/Tropical
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DifficultyEasy
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AccommodationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
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TransportationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
The South India Tour is the perfect family getaway for those who seek to visit some of the most prominent religious sites situated in the far end of India. Since ages, people of various faiths have traveled to many religious sites in South India for peace, contentment, and satisfaction in life. Each state has its own unique identity and is rich in the architecture shown so brilliantly in the colorful and intricately carved temples. For a person of the Hindu faith or just travel enthusiasts, South India provides beautiful and peaceful religious settings amid sleepy villages along the coastlines.
The southern belt of India attracts many travelers from all over the globe making it a very desirable destination. It has a spiritual wealth like no other in the Indian sub-continent and is a land of customs and traditions that are so typical to this region. With so many meditations, yoga and healing centers, it wouldn’t be unwise to say that South India is catering to a variety of travelers from across the globe. This tour will take you to the beaches of Chennai to the temple of Tirupati atop a hill to the French colonial city of Pondicherry to the massive temples of Madurai.
The tour ends in Kovalam in the state of Kerala fondly called as God’s Own Country for the serene natural beauty that the state has to offer. This tour will make you realize the diversity and beauty of India which is home to almost 1.5 billion people in the world.
When you travel with Amble Himalaya, be sure to leave all your worries behind. With decades of experience in the hospitality and tourism sector, we are makers and keepers of the best travel packages at unbelievable prices. Whether you are a solo or a group traveler, our packages are bound to make your holidays awe-inspiring and exciting.
Trip Highlights
Chennai Sightseeing – Explore the bustling metropolis of Chennai and visit some of its top attractions like Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Fort St. George.
Tirupati – Visit the famous Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.
Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram – Visit the ancient temple town of Kanchipuram and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings in Mahabalipuram.
Pondicherry – Experience the unique blend of French and Indian culture in this charming coastal town.
Chidambaram and Tanjore – Explore the magnificent Chidambaram Temple and the cultural hub of Tanjore, known for its traditional South Indian art and music.
Madurai – Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Gandhi Memorial Museum in this historic city.
Rameswaram – Take a dip in the holy waters of the Bay of Bengal and visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.
Kanyakumari – Witness the breathtaking sunset and sunrise views from the southernmost tip of mainland India.
Kovalam – Relax on the golden sands of Kovalam beach and indulge in some water sports.
Trivandrum – Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and explore the capital city of Kerala before departing.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
Day 02: Chennai Sightseeing
Day 03: Chennai – Tirupati – Chennai
Day 04: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
Day 05: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Day 06: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore
Day 07: Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
Day 08: Madurai Sightseeing
Day 09: Madurai – Rameswaram
Day 10: Rameswaram – Kanyakumari
Day 11: Kanyakumari – Kovalam
Day 12: Kovalam – Trivandrum (Departure)
South India Tour Itinerary
Upon arrival in Chennai, our local representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel and rest.
After breakfast, you will visit many sites in the old city of Madras. The tour includes Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, different churches, and the national art gallery and museum. Your day will end at the famous Marina beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Today, you will travel to Tirupati, which is home to one of the biggest Hindu temples--Sri Venkateswara Temple. Thousands of people visit this temple every year and millions of women shave their long lustrous hair as a sign of offering to the gods. During Dusshera, the temple is lit up with lights and decorated with flowers and a Rath Yatra is held. Sri Venkateswara Temple is also the wealthiest temple in the world with devotees donating kilos upon kilos of Gold. You will return back to Chennai for the overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will take a long drive to Mahabalipuram but will also visit Kanchipuram on the way. Both destinations have some brilliant megalithic structures and temples such as the Arjun’s Penance Cave, Ekambareswar Temple, and Kailashanatha Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
The drive to Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry is a beautiful one along the east coast road. You have the option of seeing Auroville which is unlike any other place, where people from almost every country of the world live together in harmony under the principles of Shri Aurbindo. On reaching Pondicherry, you can explore the beautiful city of the French colonial era and enjoy walking by the rocky beach.
After breakfast, you will proceed with your drive to Tanjore. On the way, you will visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. You will then make your way to Tanjore. After reaching, you will visit the Brihadisvara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight at the hotel.
You will then leave for Madurai. You will visit the Rangnath Temple, Rock Fort Temple, and Jambukeswarar temple on the way to Madurai. When you reach Madurai, overnight at the hotel.
Madurai sightseeing will begin in the beautiful architectural marvel Meenakshi Temple which houses the hall of thousand pillars. The day tour will be followed by Thirumalai Nyakkar Palace and Gandhi Museum. You will visit Meenakshi Temple again at night for the evening ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.
Post breakfast, you will drive to Rameswaram alongside the coast adorned with coconut and palm trees. You will also see many windmills all along the coastal line in Tamil Nadu. On reaching, you will visit the Ramnathaswamy Temple, situated on the banks of the ocean, and also pay a short visit to other temples. Here too, during Dusshera, thousands of people visit and take part in grand celebrations. Overnight at the hotel.
From Rameswaram, you make your way to Kanyakumari which has the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Bhagavathi Amman Temple, and spectacular sunrise and sunset views by the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Today, you will drive from Kanyakumari to Kovalam which is in Kerala--God's own country. Rest of the day, you can relax at the Kovalam beach which has a spectacular setting and a cute lighthouse.
You drive to Trivandrum for departure and pay a short visit to the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple.
South India Tour Included
- Accommodation: The cost includes accommodation for the duration of the tour.
- Meals: B/L/D during trek
- Transportation: The cost of transportation, including transfers between cities, is usually included in the tour package.
- Guide and entrance fees: The cost of a tour guide and entrance fees to historical monuments and other attractions.
- Taxes: Government taxes and service charge
South India Tour Excluded
- International airfare: The cost of airfare to and from India is generally not included in the tour package.
- Visa fees: Visitors to India are required to obtain a visa, and the cost of the visa is not included in the tour package.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for the South Indoa Tour but is not included in the tour package.
- Personal expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and laundry are generally not included in the tour package.
- Optional activities: Some activities such as elephant rides, camel rides, or cultural shows may be offered as optional activities, and the cost of these activities is not included in the tour package.
General Packing List
- Clothing: Pack comfortable and lightweight clothes suitable for the weather conditions in the places you’ll be visiting. Bring a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses or skirts, and a lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler nights. Also, bring appropriate footwear for the activities you’ll be doing.
- Toiletries: Bring a toiletry bag with all the essentials, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medication you need.
- Electronics: Bring your phone, camera, chargers, power banks, and any other electronics you need. Also, consider bringing a universal adapter if you’re traveling to a different country with different electrical outlets.
- Travel documents: Bring your passport, visa (if applicable), travel insurance documents, flight tickets, and any other important travel documents.
- Cash and cards: Bring cash and credit/debit cards for your trip, but avoid carrying too much cash in case of theft or loss.
- Travel accessories: Consider bringing a travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and a small backpack or daypack for carrying your essentials while exploring.
- First-aid kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any prescription medication you need.
- Other essentials: Bring a reusable water bottle, a small umbrella or rain jacket, and a map or guidebook for the places you’ll be visiting.
South India Tour FAQ's
India has a diverse geographical region, so it depends on where you are going and what you want to do there. You can visit the southern part of the country in the winter months (November to March). The temperature is mild and you can enjoy the nature in the national parks. We do not recommend you to visit the northern part of the country in the country as it would be really cold up there. However, if you go north during winter, you can always do bird watching as the migrant species arrive in this period. During summer (April to June), the temperature is mild in the south. You can go for a beach holiday or cultural tours in this region during summer. Summer is also best season to visit the Himalayas in the north. Summer is considered a good time for game viewing in the north.
It is safe to travel to India like other foreign location you visit. You will find very hospitable and helpful people in India. You don’t have to worry about your tour. We will be there to guide you adapt to the country. You should keep your spare currency, traveler’s cheque, passports, and precious jewelry safely in the hotel. Also, you should be careful while walking around alone at late night in small towns because streets are empty early. We recommend you not to travel at late night and not leave your luggage unattended anywhere.
If you are nationals of Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal, you do not need any visa. If you are not, you need a visa to visit India. You need the visa to arrive in India. Please contact your local Indian embassy or consulate while you plan your trip
We suggest you pack light cotton tops, shorts, and trousers for your visit to India during summer. You need to pack some long-sleeved cotton tops for game drives if you plan to visit national parks in India. You should pack warm clothes while traveling to India in the winters. We advise you to include the clothes suitable for the weather and temperature of the area on the particular season. Also, remember to pack some long skirts and pants while visiting religious monuments and shrines.
Sure, you can easily use your Visa and MasterCard in India. However, American Express, Dinner’s Club, and other international cards are not accepted in India. We recommend you to carry Indian rupees while you are going out of the main cities to the small places.
You can find ATM counters linked to the international networks in the main cities and smaller towns. However, you must have a four-digit PIN code for your card to use the ATM in India.
You can have Indian cuisine with several variations from each region with its own techniques, ingredients, and spices. You can have meat dishes made with chicken, mutton, or lamb in the northern region. The southern region prefers vegetarian cuisine. At the coast, you can have seafood. Most restaurants will gladly prepare the meals at the request of their customer. You can order western dishes in every restaurant. You can also select from Indian to Mediterranean and Chinese to Mexican cuisine in Delhi and Mumbai.
Well, that depends on where you stay. You can choose from comfortable home stays and tribal huts to amazing heritage mansions and maharaja palaces due to its diverse landscape. You will encounter different culture, tradition, languages, cuisines, and lifestyles in a different region of the country. Hence, this effects how you will be accommodated. You can choose from the simplicity of local guest houses and government bungalows to the lavish luxury of royal palaces and five-star deluxe hotel suites depending on your choice.
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Group Size2
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RegionIndia
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GeographyPlain/Tropical
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DifficultyEasy
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AccommodationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
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TransportationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
